
Last night we were in Paris; the night before was spent on sleeper train and the night before that we stayed in my friend Maralise’s home in beautiful Vienna. In the past month, I’ve spent only two nights in my own bed: several nights in San Diego, a few in my dad’s house in Sandy and, of course, two weeks in Europe.
It’s been a glorious trip. We laughed and photographed and walked and ATE our way through three countries. My dad has been his adventurous fun-loving self, buying bags of pastries and climbing to the top of every tower. When our evening swim was hindered by a locked gate at a Viennese pool, my dad found the best place to hop the fence and we swam and giggled and played under clear blue skies.
I can’t decide which city or place we loved most. Was it the streets of Paris, or the castles of Bavaria, or the parks in Salzburg? Perhaps it was the salt mine in Hallstatt or the garden maze in Vienna? But I know what I enjoyed most—hour upon hour, day after day of savoring time with my family. I took hundreds of shots of kids holding hands, Mary riding on her brothers’ shoulders, visiting European playgrounds and playing checkers with Grandpa Ken. I expect I can buy books and post cards of all the beautiful buildings and landscapes we saw, but the photos of my family together are priceless.

Conflicts were few and laughter was almost constant as the boys played word games, tutored each other in French (who knew Stefan spoke so well!?!) and took turns carrying Mary. We talked about my mom a lot, pointed out flowers she would love, bought souvenirs that reminded us of her and ate more chocolate and fewer vegetables than she would possibly approve of. It felt like she was with us much of the time, but she was free and uninhibited by her broken body that wouldn’t possibly be able to navigate the miles of hiking we did every day.
Although, my dad is healthy and fit, I felt newly protective of him. I’m aware of a fragility that I’ve never seen before. But his spirits are good. As we walked down picturesque streets, fulfilling our years-old dream, the entire family began to speak of other dreams. Suddenly everything felt possible. We planned future trips, gardens we would plant, books to write and illustrate and languages to learn.
Today I’m flying home with Mary in a sleeping pink ball beside me. The flight took off at 11:00 a.m. Paris time and arrives in Salt Lake City at 12:46 p.m. p.m. today. See, so it’s less than 2 hours. 😉 But truly, I’ll have plenty of time this afternoon to run several loads of laundry, stock up at the grocery store, retrieve kitty from my brother and start settling back into ‘normal life.’ But I don’t think life will ever feel normal again. Let me rephrase that—I have plenty of time to settle into my new life.
I have high hopes of becoming a better, sweeter person in every way, but I did snap at Ben in the airport this morning so perfection is still pretty far off.
My dad, of course, has a completely new life to create. He is purposely keeping himself busy for the next several months and will continue to spend much of his time in San Diego (my sister is buying a house with rooms for him in it). The rest of us will fight over him when he’s in Salt Lake– making him dinner and beating him at checkers. He is determined to be Grandma and Grandpa for his grandchildren and I’ve been given the job of gift-assistant supreme (see, I knew my shopping skills would come in handy).
This trip precluded me from planning anything else this summer. We have no camps, no trips, no lessons ahead of us. And for now, I’m happy to simply let life unfold.
Jeanelle
Welcome home!! Your happiness shines through in this entry and I love that. I cannot wait to hear (and see) more about your wonderful vacation!
GeorgiaBecksteads
So glad you’re back and from just a needed trip with your family and dad. Can’t wait to hear and see more.
GeorgiaBecksteads
sorry, that probably didn’t make sense- it late here – back from a much needed trip! is that better? 🙂
dalene
Welcome home!
Kate
Welcome home… thanks for sharing… your writing is so beautiful!!
Selwyn
Welcome back – I’ve missed you! =)
Tracy
Welcome home. What a happy trip. I have missed you. Much love, t.
Tiff
You are a beautiful person.
jess
so glad you are back and had a great trip! i’ve sure missed your inspiring words.
Kim
Welcome home! Your trip sounds amazing! I can’t wait to see more pictures. 🙂
Annie
What an inspired trip. Who would have known when you were making those plans and reservations months ago just how beautiful and needed it would be? Amazing.
Welcome home. Take it easy, friend.
Linn
I’m so glad the trip went so well and so glad you are home! I cannot wait to see more wonderful photos.
Jennk
Sounds like a wonderful experience for the entire family. Welcome home!
Christie
It is good to have you back, my friend. Your voice and pictures have been sorely missed.
Claudia
So awesome! I’m so glad it all worked out. I knew it would. I just couldn’t drive by your dark, lonely house one more day. So glad your home.
And Stephen didn’t get that award from Mr. Baige for nothing. It’s so nice he was able to use his mad skills in front of the fam. Erik will have to work extra hard to catch up.
And your Dad, what a sweetheart. Even though we can’t see his tender face in the photo, his persona just exudes love. I am so happy for you all!!!
martha corinna
I’ve been waiting for your return!
I love the photo on the train. I’m so glad you were able to enjoy such a beautiful vacation.
I’ve been thinking a lot about you.
Reluctant Nomad
The top shot has to be Schoenbrunn, yes? Welcome home!
Mitchell Family
I’ve missed you and your blog. Welcome back. It does feel like we are starting a new life. Ruth
Catherine Hess
Michelle – your writing is so beautiful! I stumble upon your blog every now and again and I’m always stuck here for at least an hour reading and looking at your amazing photos. Anyway, just wanted to say hello. And thanks for your quote “life moves too quickly to delay any good thing” – it’s too true!
Travelin'Oma
I love the Austrian hat picture. I can’t imagine a better place to recover, regroup, and renew.
StubbyDog
Oh I loved Hallstat. We stayed in a 500 year old inn there that creaked and groaned with every step…awesome! LOL
Welcome home.
Coach A.
YAY!! Nice to know you had a great time!